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TAYLOR CYCLE C 9- 

WESTERN AGENTS 



270-273 WABASH AVE- 
•CH[CAGO-fLL' 



A CATALOGUE OF SAFETY 
BICYCLES AND ACCESSORIES 
MANUFACTURED AND SOLD 
BY GEO. R. ^IDWELL CYCLE 
CO., NEW YORK AND CHICAGO 









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1892 
CHICAGO NEW YORK 

270-272 Wabash Avenue 306-310 West 59th Street 



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Copyright, 1S92, by 
George R. Bidwell Cycle Co 



^_^^vv/ 



THE ALLEY PRESS, NEW YORK 
5762 



By way of Preface. 



Among the new wheels placed before the cycling public in 1891 
was ^'The Tourist/' a bicycle of the Safety pattern brought out by 
this Company, which won for itself at once an enviable success. 
Ten years of experience in the selling, renting and repairing of 
bicycles, and a careful observation of the wants of riders had shown 
us that no existing make of wheel contained all the good qualities 
essential to a perfect bicycle ; the merits of the best w^ere marred by 
some defect. 

It was our aim in designing '^ The Tourist " to combine as many 
as possible of the good points of other wheels, with such improve- 
ments as our experience had shown to be desirable, and to reduce 
to a minimum the acknowledged deficiencies of the safety pattern of 
bicycle. That its material and workmanship should be the best 
possible, we contracted for its construction with one of the most 
widely known and best equipped bicycle manufacturers of England, 
Wm. Bowm, of Birmingham, maker of the ^olus bicycles and of 
the ^-Eolus ball bearings — whose bearings are universal in all high- 
grade bicycles. 

The result was a w^heel which for beauty of outline, simplicity of 
construction, strength, lightness, ease of running and excellence of 
material and workmanship left little to be desired. Agents found 
its attractive appearance made it an easy selling wheel, and purchas- 
ers had only words of commendation for it. 

We were entirely satisfied with its success but studied carefully 
where further improvements might be made. The results have been 
embodied in " The Tourist" for 1892 and will be found noted in the 
description of the wheel. 

The most important change differentiating the Tourist of '91 
from that of '92 is that the '92 Tourist is in every portion wholly 
an American bicycle — an evidence of the resources of our own 
country and of the skill and ingenuity of American workmen. 

Even steel tubing, the importation of which has hitherto been 
needful in constructing wheels of the highest grade, is now made in 
this country, and our tests conducted at the Colt's Armory showed 
it in every respect to be the equal of the best English brand, while 
excelling it in the important points of resistance to pulling and 
twisting strains. 

A very notable fact in relation to the Tourist for 1892 is that it 
is manufactured at the armory of the Colt's Fire Arms Co. at 



GEORGE R. BIDWELL CYCLE CO. 



Hartford, Conn., whose facilities for and experience in producing the 
finest work in steel are not surpassed by any other manufacturer in 
the world. Their reputation is a guarantee of the perfection of 
material and workmanship to be found in the Tourist. A careful 
examination of every part of the Tourist and comparison with similar 
work in any high-grade bicycle will convince the competent exam- 
iner of the superiority of the Tourist in these respects. 

Many persons will be gratified to learn of our new $ioo wheels, 
the Student and the Ladies' Student. It is of course not possible 
in wheels made to sell at this price to give such close attention to 
the details of construction or the perfection of finish as in the 
Tourist, but the high grade of material that is used in the Students' 
and the fine quality of the workmanship will immediately commend 
it to the purchaser. They outrank every wheel yet offered at a 
similar price and are far stronger and more durable than many 
so-called high-grade wheels. 

We invite your careful attention to the descriptions of these 
wheels, the Tourist and the Students', as contained in this cata- 
logue, confidently placing them before you, in their respective 
classes, as the best bicycles made on either side the ocean. 

A Word of Caution. 

The season of 1892 will witness an over-production in certain 
classes of bicycles, and undoubtedly a cutting of prices by certain 
makers. Do not be misled into the belief that when a dealer offers 
you a so-called high-priced bicycle at a very low cost, or at a very 
large discount, that you are getting a bargain. On the contrary, 
such wheels are built to sell at a discount, and are worth no more 
than the price at which they are sold. They will be found to be 
cheap in every sense of the word ; cheap in price, and cheap in con- 
struction. A bicycle is worth just what it cost to buy, and no more. 
If not good enough to bring its full price, it is something to be sus- 
picious of, and we would caution intending purchasers to be very 
careful of such wheels. As a rule, they are something to be shunned 
and avoided. 

Another point to be considered by the purchaser of a bicycle is 
the reliability of the manufacturer whose guarantee accompanies it. 
The past seasons have witnessed the rise of many new concerns who 
have put upon the market bicycles of various degrees of excellence, 
but who have been unable to weather the storms of adversity that 



GEORGE R. BIDWELL CYCLE CO. 5 

beset them, and the first snows have found them buried from sight. 
The guarantee of such concerns is not worth the paper upon which 
it is printed, and the riders of their wheels have been put to much 
trouble to obtain parts wdien repairs have become necessary. 

Guarantee. 

Our bicycles are guaranteed to be free from all imperfections in 
material and workmanship, and we w^ill replace, without charge, any 
parts returned to us within one year from the date of purchase of the 
bicycle, which give evidence of such imperfections. Parts must be 
submitted for inspection before allowance will be made. 

In reference to the above guarantee, it means that we agree to 
deliver to every purchaser of any of our Bicycles a perfect wheel, 
and should the bicycle prove to be imperfect, as above provided for, 
at any time within one year, w^e will make good such imperfections. 

It does not mean that we will keep bicycles in order, or make 
repairs of any description for damage caused by use, misuse, or neg- 
lect. A bicycle is simply apiece of machinery, and requires the same 
care and attention from the user as does a machine of any sort. Nuts 
and bolts will work loose, and bearings and chains require proper 
attention and adjustment from time to time. There should be no lost 
motion or rattle to any part of a well constructed bicycle, and as soon 
as any such is discovered its cause should be immediately ascertained 
and removed. In order to know how to do this, every user of a 
bicycle should familiarize himself with its workings, and keep 
all nuts properly tightened, and bearings and chain properly lubri- 
cated and adjusted. This is the secret of success, and unless this is 
done the best results cannot be obtained. It is the reason why some 
friend's wdieel is in better condition, or runs better than your own, 
though it has seen equal service. Do not always blame the bicycle. 
The user is more frequently the cause of the trouble, mainly through 
not knowing how to give it proper care.* 



* Believing it will be for the best interests of both the dealers and public for bicycle manu- 
facturers to unite on some definite guarantee, and our attention having been called to the above 
" Word of Caution " and '' Guarantee" in the catalogue of Messrs. A. G. Spalding & Bros., we 
reprint it entire, embodying as it does, in words both polite and forceful, our opinion on both 
subjects. 



GEORGE R. BIDWELL CYCLE CO. 



The Tourist. 



In designing our 1892 pattern wheel we liave followed the lines 
of the '91 Tourist in general, changing it, however, where such 
change would prove a distinct advantage. 

The ''True Diamond Frame" has been retained, but changed 
from the bolted to the non-detachable brazed style, with tubes 
reinforced at each brazing, giving greatly increased strength and 
rigidity. The ball head has been lengthened and the wheel base 
extended, while the tread is narrower than formerly. 

We have deviated from the common rule of using 3-16-inch balls 
in the head by increasing the size to ^ inch, making them less liable 
to breakage. 

These improvements have been made with a view 
to further increase the present wonderfully steady 
steering qualities of the Tourist, to equalize the dis- 
tribution of the rider's weight on both wheels (an 
important factor when roads or pavements are wet 
and slippery), and also to render the rider's 
position, w^hen in the saddle, more natural. 
The frame throughout is of the very best 
cold drawn, weldless steel tubing. 

Construction. 

We cannot lay too great stress on the Tourist's 
superiority of construction. Manufactured by us at 
Colt's West Armory, under the immediate supervision 
of the best metal specialists in the country — men of 
many years' experience in the manufacture of the high- 
est grade fire-arms, a class of work requiring the utmost 
attention to the details of construction, all parts tested 
to positive gauges, detecting a variation of a thou- 
sandth of an inch, the result is a wheel in every part 
calculated to withstand hard service, yet not carrying 
an ounce of extra metal which can be dis- 
pensed with without sacrificing strength. 

Fitted with our latest improved Bidwell 
(Thomas) Pneumatic Tires and equipped, 
ready for use, its total weight is forty-two 
pounds, which can be reduced to thirty- 
nine pounds by removing the mud-guards. 





GEORGE R. BIDWELL CYCLE CO. 



The Wheels. 

The construction of the wheels embodies new features \ 
worthy of note. The felloes are of best Swedish stock, 
thickened at the centre to give additional rigidity, and 
are formed to a true circle, thereby ensuring even tension 
on the spokes when wheels are assembled. 
The spokes are enlarged at both ends by the '^swaging 
process," the wire being drawn from the enlarged section 
^^ to the required 

thereby not crystallizing the stock at the ends, 
where the strength is required. Heretofore 
butt-ended spokes have been made by "upset- 
ting' ; this crystallizes the stock and has been 
the main cause of all breakage in spokes, so 
annoying alike to rider and manufacturer. 
The nipple used by us is worthy of more 
than passing consideration. It is of extra 

length, with ample square 

surface for wrench, and 



solid at the upper end, making it im- 
possible to force the spoke beyond the 
face of the felloe into the tire. By using 
a nipple of extra length we so increase 
the spoke adjustment as to render un- 
necessary the removal of the tire if a new spoke has to be put in. 
The wheels are both thirty inches in diameter, fitted with two-inch 
Eidwell (Thomas) Pneumatic Tires of the latest and most improved 
form. 




The Bearings. 

The great advantage of the mechanical accuracy applied in the 
construction of the Tourist is nowhere more observable than in the 
perfection of its bearings. Cones, bearing boxes and balls, gauged 
to the thousandth part of an inch, are not only perfectly free in 
action, but the decreased w^ear, owing to this construction, is an 
important factor when the life of a wheel is considered. Cones and 
balls may be perfectly true, yet if the ball-races are not equally so 
the result is increased friction and an unequal strain on the parts, 
or, per contra^ the cones and ball-races may be accurate, yet if the 



GEORGE R. BIDWELL CYCLE CO 




balls are not equally so the result is the same — the parts wear out 
long before their time. 

In this connection we desire to call attention to the fact that the 
crank-hanger of the Tourist is so proportioned as to give exactly the 
same distance to the end of the crank shaft on either side of the 
frame, the great majority of bicycles measuring from a fraction of 
an inch to a full inch longer on the sprocket wheel side than that 
opposite, thereby putting an unequal strain on the frame and making 
the wheel practically one-sided. 

The Chain. 

Many styles and makes of chain have been submitted for our 
consideration, but after exhaustive tests we have adopted the well- 
known Abingdon-Humber pattern, one inch pitch. Realizing that 
the chain, if improperly made, is the cause of great friction, we have 
this very important part of the bicycle constructed under our own 
supervision instead of purchasing in the open market. Every side 
link and centre block is made to a standard test gauge. The centre 
block is drilled and the chain riveted by special machinery, which 
does not admit of any variation, and when com- 
plete the chain will exactly fit the sprocket 
wheel and not ^^ride the sprockets," as is usually 
the case when accurate construction is not 
maintained. 

The Driving Gear has had its full measure of 
attention. The front sprocket wheel is made of 
aluminum silver-bronze — the rear sprocket of 
case-hardened gun steel of high carbon, and 
the chain of open-hearth steel subjected to 




GEORGE R. BIDWELL CYCLE CO. 




special treatment — the combination of these three metals is not only 
conducive to good wear but also reduces friction to a minimum. 
The rear sprocket screws on the hub by a right-hand thread and 
is locked securely by an outer disc having left-hand thread, making 
removal of the sprocket when desired a very simple matter. 
The front sprocket and crank on sprocket wheel side are recessed 

into each other, slipping readily 
on and off the crank shaft, and 
are locked together and fixed by 
the crank key, as shown in illustra- 
tion. This is not only an improve- 
ment over the old method of attach- 
sprocket wheel to the crank shaft, but one 
which enables the rider, at a slight additional 
expense, to change the gearing in a very few 
minutes, without the necessity of sending the 
wheel to a repair shop. 

The Chain Adjustment. 

For our chain adjustment we have adopted that used on the first 
Rudge Safeties, modifying it to suit our requirements and thereby 
providing an adjustment both simple and reliable, making impossible 
the throwing of the rear wheel out of line when, tightening or loos- 
ening the chain. 

The Pedals. 

The accompanying cut shows our new Tourist pedal. The same 
care in the detail of construction is here observable as in all other 

parts of the wheel. The inside end 
of the pedal shaft has a stay pin pro- 
jecting from its shoulder flush with 
the end of the shaft, making it im- 
possible to apply the shaft to the 
crank incorrectly and greatly re- 
ducing the strain on the nut. 

The Tires. 

Again we take the initiative and fully recommend the Simon- 
pure "Pneumatic." 

Our tire is not a built-up inflated cushion of rubber, canvas and 
rubber vulcanized together, with thick walls cemented into a cres- 
cent-shape felloe, destroying all its life and buoyancy and having 




GEORGE R. BIDWELL CYCLE CO. 



II 



no more of the features of the true Pneumatic than the large solid or 
cushion ; but a Bidwell (Thomas) Pneumatic Tire constructed as 
described on page 20, with which all the Tourist cycles are equipped. 
While we are prepared to supply the Tourist with a large cushion 
(i)4 inch) we shall only do so on special order and earnestly recom- 
mend our customers to use the ''Pneumatic." 

The Finish. 

We have adopted several novel features not heretofore used on 
bicycles and which are worthy of special attention. All bolts, nuts 
and screws, instead of being nickeled, will have w^hat is known as 
the case-hardened finish, familiar on fine firearms, where beauty and 
durability are essential. 

The frame and front fork will be in 
black enamel. Special care will be exer- 
cised in preparing frames, that the surface 
may be perfectly smooth and free from all 
imperfections that cause enamel to flake 
off or peel. 

The nickel on the Tourist is known as 
" Hard Nickel," used on all fine revolvers, 
its special feature being that it will not 
become defaced or marred as easily 
as the ''soft nickel" usually applied 
— in fact, we propose that in de- 
tail of construction and finish the 
Tourist shall excel all com- 
petitors. 

General Mention. 

It is an undisputed 
that all makers of 
high-grade bicycles en- 
deavor to construct 
their product of the 
very best material ob- 
tainable, but it is 
equally true that the spe- 
cial steel used in the 
manufacture of fine fire- 
arms has not been adopted. 




GEORGE R. BIDWELL CYCLE CO. 13 

As the steel used in guns is necessarily subjected to greater tests as 
to strength and toughness than it would be in bicycles, we have 
decided to use the best grade of gun steel in the manufacture of the 
Tourist bicycle. 

With a view toward reducing the number of parts, we have used 
^-inch balls throughout the wheel, save in the pedals ; the cups or 
ball-races in each wheel are interchangeable, which is also true of 
the set screws used in binding the seat-post clamp and the handle- 
bar clamp. In addition each bolt head and nut is tempered to a 
degree that makes it impossible to round the corners of the nuts or 
to twist off the bolts under any ordinary strain. 

Specifications. 

True diamond frame. Best cold-drawn, weldless steel tubing — 
gun steel drop forgings throughout — ball bearings all around. 
30-inch wheels ; best Swedish steel rims — slightly crescent shaped 
— thickened at base. No. 11 swaged tangent spokes, tied, 32 front 
wheel, 40 rear, special closed head nipples, 2-inch Bidwell (Thomas) 
Pneumatic tires. Detachable front and rear sprocket ; froni:, alumi- 
num bronze ; rear, case-hardened gun steel of high carbon. Special 
Tourist chain of open hearth steel ; detachable round cranks ; 
6^-inch throw ; Tourist bail pedals, square rubbers. Ball-steering 
head, plunger brake, %-inch tubular, tapering handle bars, 28 inches 
wide ; adjustable coasters, round step, detachable lamp bracket. 
L seat rod, new design Garford saddle, round tool-bag, nickeled B. 
& S. wrench, oil can, screw driver and air pump. Weight 42 pounds 
all on. Finish special Tourist black enamel, all bright parts and 
spokes hard nickel (on copper). Standard gear, 54 inches. Note. — 
57-inch, 60-inch and 63-inch gears furnished when desired. 

The Tourist Road Racer 

is adapted for the use of riders who desire the lightest possible 
wheel, combined with strength sufficient to withstand hard service. 
The Tourist, stripped of guards and brake parts, fitted with 
Scorcher handle-bars, Garford's Scorcher saddle, rat-trap pedals and 
Bidwell-Thomas Pneumatic road-racing tires, becomes the Tourist 
Road Racer, weighs but 35 pounds, and can be depended upon to 
carry a rider wherever it is possible to push a wheel — and who shall 
say what roads are impossible to the rider of a genuine Pneumatic. 
The Tourist Road Racer is geared to 60 inches, but 54, 57, or 6;^ 
inches gear can be obtained if desired. Price, $150.00. 



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GEORGE R. BIDWELL CYCLE CO. 15 



The Student. 



To meet the requirements of riders who desire a strong, service- 
able wheel at a moderate price, embodying the latest features of 
construction, combined with good wearing and traveling qualities, 
we have designed The Student and can confidently await the test 
of time and use to prove that the claims we make concerning it are 
laid on the broad foundation of truth. 

The frame is of the best quality cold-drawn, weldless steel tub- 
ing, made w^ide enough to admit of two-inch pneumatic tires, 
with long nine-inch head and long wheel base. Drop forgings are 
used throughout. The crank hanger is well forward, enabling the 
rider to place his saddle well back and yet not throw an undue 
proportion of his weight on the rear wheel. 

The wheels are both thirty inches in diameter with rims thick- 
ened at centre, fitted with forty tangent spokes to the back and 
thirty-six to the front w^ieel. 

The bearings are the best that can be procured, ball bearing 
throughout and can be depended upon to wear as long as any other 
part of the machine. 

The handle bars are of the same cold-drawn, seamless tubing 
as used in the frame, are dropped back with a handsome curve and 
spread thirty inches. They afford ample adjustment as to height, as 
does the saddle post. 

The cranks are adjustable, 5/4 to 6^ inches throw and heavily 
nickeled on copper, as are all the other bright parts of the wheel. 
The chain is of the Abingdon-Humber pattern, i^-inch pitch 
and each one is specially tested under heavy pressure before being 
accepted. 

The chain adjustment is that used on the 1891 Psychos and is 
both simple and reliable. The gearing is 54 inches. 
The tires. — The Student will be fitted with i^-inch cushion tires of 
best quality gray Para rubber or with the improved Bidwell (Thomas) 
pneumatic tire. See full description on page 20. 

The Garford saddle, with which The Student is equipped, is 
too well known to need special comment. Round tool-bag, nickeled 
wrench and oiler are also provided. 

Specifications. 

True diamond frame of cold-drawn, weldless steel tubing, ball 
bearings, drop forgings throughout, save sprocket wheels of alum- 




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GEORCxE R. BIDWELL CYCLE CO. 17 

ilium bronze. Special tliickened rims. Bessemer steel tangent 
spokes, 13 gauge, tied, nickeled to outer crossing ; brass nipples, 
enameled ; aluminum bronze sprocket wheels ; Abingdon-Humber 
chain, i^-inch pitch ; Ps3xho adjustment, gear 54 inch. Detachable 
round cranks, 5)^ to 6)4 inches throw ; ball pedals, square rubbers ; 
9-inch ball head, adjustable handle bars, ^-inch tubing; plunger 
brake. Finish. — Four coats best black enamel, all bright parts 
nickeled on copper. Fitted with Garford saddle, round tool bag, 
wrench and oiler. Weight, 49 pounds. 

Price, with i^'-inch cushion tires of be^t gray Para rubber, $100; 
with 2-inch Bidwell (Thomas) Pneumatic Tires, $125. 

The Ladies' Student 

Is of the same material and workmanship as The Student. The Drop 
Frame, patterned after the Ladies' Psycho, is of handsome design 
and fitted with a detachable brace rod from the neck to the saddle 
post tube, which can be easily put in place when the wheel is desired 
for gentlemen's use. 

The Wheels are 28 inches in diameter, with i^-inch cushion tires 
of the purest quality gray Para rubber, or 2-inch Bidwell (Thomas) 
Pneumatic Tires, as ordered. 

The Bidwell Pneumatic Tires are guaranteed against bursting or leak- 
age of air, and a full description of them can be found on page 20. 
The Specifications of The Student in all other respects apply 
equally to the Ladies' Student, save that it weighs 48 pounds and 
is supplied with the ladies' Garford saddle. 

Specifications. 

Drop frame with detachable brace rod of cold-drawn, weldless 
steel tubing, ball bearings, drop forgings throughout, save sprocket 
wheels of aluminum bronze. AA^heels, 28 inch. Special thickened 
rims. Bessemer steel tangent spokes, 13 gauge, tied, nickeled to 
outer crossing ; brass nipples, enameled ; aluminum bronze sprocket 
wheels; Abingdon-Humber chain, i)4-inch pitch; Psycho adjust- 
ment, gear 54 inch. Detachable cranks, 5 to 6 inches throw ; ball 
pedals, square rubbers ; 9-inch ball head, adjustable handle bars, 
3^ -inch tubing ; plunger brake. Finish. — Four coats best black 
enamel, all bright parts nickeled on copper. Fitted with ladies' Gar- 
ford saddle, round tool bag, wrench and oiler. Weight, 48 pounds. 
Price, with i^ inch Cushion Tires ..... $100.00 

Price, with 2 inch Bidwell (Thomas) Pneumatic Tires . . 125.00 




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GEORGE R. BIDWELL CYCLE CO. 19 

The Ladies' Psycho 

Needs no words of introduction. Its record for years past as the 
strongest and most beautiful ladies' wheel made, as well as one of 
the lightest, is a matter of cycling history. (3ur inability to complete 
the dies and gauges for the Ladies' Tourist, without seriously delay- 
ing the construction of The Tourist, has led us to adopt the Ladies' 
Psycho for the reasons above mentioned, as the only wheel fitted to 
fill its place. Manufactured at Coventry, England, by the well-known 
Starley Bros., the Psycho wheels have always maintained their repu- 
tation among the best-known makers in England. We have handled 
them for several years past with increasing satisfaction both to our- 
selves and customers. 

The frame, of the w^ell known U pattern, is of one-piece seamless 
tubing, very light, at the same time rigid and possessing great 
strength. To no other single merit can the popularity of the Ladies' 
Psycho be attributed, in like measure to that given by the beauty of 
its frame. " Curved is the line of beauty " is here exemplified, and 
many manufacturers have viewed the Ladies' Psycho with longing 
eyes (the V frame being protected by patent) and tried in vain to 
equal it in outline. 

The wheels are 28 inches in diameter, fitted with direct double butt- 
ended spokes, nickeled. 

The head is ball-bearing 6 inches between centres, w^ith a simple and 
satisfactory adjustment. 

The handle=bars are of one-piece seamless tubular steel, half-circle 
design, fitted with soft rubber handles, and are brought back well within 
reach, rendering the rider's position both comfortable and graceful. 
The tires are the Bidwell (Thomas) Pneumatic, guaranteed against 
bursting or leakage of air, and are fully described on page 20. 
The bearings are ball throughout, with removable ball runs and 
hardened steel cones. The balls are carefully gauged, 5-16-inch 
being used for crank shaft bearings, ^-inch for the wheels and head, 
and 3-16-inch for the pedals. The pedals are a size smaller than 
generally used, and fitted with best quality square rubbers of hand- 
some design. 

The finish is baked enamel, solid black, with usual bright parts 
nickeled on copper. 

Equipped with ladies' Garford saddle, tool-bag, wrench, screw- 
driver and oil can ; weight 42 pounds, gear 54 inches. 
Price, with 2-inch Bidwell (Thomas) Pneumatic Tires . . $155.00 



GEORGE R. BIDWELL CYCLE CO. 



The Bidwell (Thomas) Pneumatic Tire. 

And a Few Points Concerning Genuine Pneumatic versus 
Air Cushion Tires. — During the Fall of 1890 the question of tires 
became a subject of much discussion among the manufacturers and 
dealers, the advent of cushion and pneumatic tires seeming to point 
to a speedy close of the days of the solid tire. The Spring of 1891 
found the public in an undecided state of mind. The manifest ad- 
vantages of the cushion tire, however, soon made themselves apparent, 

and while some pneumatic 



tires were used, despite 
1 aky soft-rubber valves 
md bursting tubes, yet 
the cushion tire met the 
public wants. 

Realizing the great ad- 
vantages of the pneumatic 
tire over the cushion, we 
obtained control of the 
Thomas Pneum^atic Tire 
patents early in the Spring 
of 1891, re-naming it the 
Bidwell (Thomas) Pneu- 
matic Tire, and com- 
menced studying and ex- 
perimenting to perfect it. 
How well we have suc- 
ceeded is evidenced by 
the fact that nine-tenths 
of the manufacturers and importers of the country are having 
their 1892 wheels fitted with Bidwell (Thomas) Pneumatic Tires, which 
we guarantee against bursting of the air tube or leakage of the air valve. 
Some few manufacturers are trying to mislead the public by 
applying so-called pneumatic tires to their wheels, which are practi- 
cally cushion tires with an air tube inserted — in other words, air 
cushion tires. A few of these tires are an improvement on the 
cushion, but in no way approach the genui/ie pneunuxtie in resiliency^ 
con/fort or speed. 

Some objection has been made to the true pneumatic tire owing 
to a fear of its puncturing. As a matter of fact, a punctured tire is 
about as rare as " frost in June." It is safe to say a rider with 




CUT NO. I CONSTRUCTION. 



GEORGE R. BIDWELL CYCLE CO. 



21 




average care can use his Bidwell (Thomas) Pneumatic Tires over 
many thousand miles of road, good or bad, without once puncturing 
it. Should such a contingency occur, however, any rider can make 
the necessary repairs by following the directions given 
under the heading " How to repair," etc. 

The distinguishing features of the Bidwell (Thomas) 
Pneumatic Tire are its non-leakable valve ^ w^hich is vul- 
canized into the air tube, its seamless^ non- 
expansible tube (into which the air tube is 
inserted and which is of itself made to 
stand an air pressure of over two hun- 
dred pounds to the square inch), and its 
endless outside cover or shoe. 

Construction of the Bidwell (Thomas) Pneu= 
matic Tire. 

Cut No. I shows the construction of 
the Bidwell Tire, each separate part being 
lettered to facilitate the explanation, and 
for convenience in ordering parts. The 

, ., ... ^ . CUT NO. 2 — CROSS SECTION AND VALVE. 

tire IS built up as follows : Starting at 

the rim of the wheel (H), the canvas strip (F) is cemented smoothly 
to it, entirely covering the rim. The rubber air tube (A), wdiich is 
encased in the seamless non-expansible linen jacket (B), to which 
has been sewn linen flaps or wings (CC), is next put on, and the flaps 
firmly cemented beneath the rim. An extra reinforcing strip (DD) 
of linen canvas, to prevent cutting at the edge of the rim and to 

prevent slipping, is then cemented 
to the seamless jacket (B), passing 
under the rim, as shown in cut No. 
2. The rubber wearing shoe (E) is 
put on over all, firmly cemented be- 
neath the rim, and a strip of black 
rubber friction cloth secured on the 
inside of the rim covering the edge of 
the shoe (E), to protect the inner con- 
struction against moisture and dirt. 
The valve is fully shown in cut No. 3. 

Directions for Using the Bidwell (Thomas) Pneumatic Tire. 

See that the tire is kept well inflated and never ride it when at all 
deflated. Herein lies the whole secret of the long life of the tire and 




CUT NO. 3. 



GEORGE R. BIDWELL CYCLE CO. 



almost entire freedom from trouble. Observe this rule and your Bid- 
well Pneumatic Tire will be a "thing of comfort and a joy forever." 

To inflate the tire, remove the cap No. 3, attach the pump, and 
inflate as fully as desired ; then replace the cap. 

To deflate the tire, remove the cap No. 3 and part No. 2, when 
the contained air will rush out through the valve. 

Should at any time the tire fail to maintain the pressure of air 
applied to it, it may be found that there is dust in the valve, arising 
from friction wearing away the rubber " bloom " of the valve. No. 5. In 
such a case, take out the rubber valves, remove No. 5 from No. 4, and 
carefully clean the two parts, seeing that No. 5 is in perfect condition. 

How to Repair the Bidwell (Thomas) Pneumatic Tire. 

There is little liability of any trouble, except a possible puncture, 
which is an exceedingly rare occurrence, owing to the materials used 
and the method of construction. Should the tire be punctured, note 
the following : 

It is most always possible to easily locate the puncture by finding 
the cut in the outside shoe ; when this is impossible, inflate the tire 
fully, revolve the wheel slowly in a shallow basin of water, and at the 
point of puncture slight bubbles will appear on the surface of the 
water. When the puncture is located, deflate the tire ; break loose 
the inside strip of friction cloth for a space of about twelve inches ; 
do the same with the outside shoe ; turn that part of the shoe over 
the edge of the rim ; cut a cross in the canvas jacket ; clean the 
rubber tube at the point punctured ; cement a small round patch 
of rubber over the puncture ; let it dry fifteen minutes ; then inflate 
lightly to enable you to cement a small square of canvas to the can- 
vas jacket where it was cut ; moisten the edge of the shoe with 
cement ; spring it back into place ; smooth the friction cloth also 
into place ; properly inflate ; mount your wheel, and go ahead. 

Materials and directions for making these slight repairs go with 
each set of tires. Very few wheelmen will ever have occasion to 
use them. 



Price List of Tire Parts. 




Shoe, E . . . . 


$6.50 


Air Tube with Valve, A 


^1-50 


Linen Tube, Complete, B and C 


2.50 


Reinforcing Linen, DD 


•50 


Finishing Strip . 


•50 


Pump 


!.00 


Repair Kit .... 


-o 



Price List of Valve Parts. 

Valve Complete . 

Base Flange, Nc. i 

Deflating Cap, No. 2 . 

Cover Cap, No. 3 

Hard Rubber Valve, No. 4 

Soft Rubber Jacket, No. 5 



$r.oo 
.50 

•25 

. 10 

."5 



GEORGE R. BIDWELL CYCLE CO. 



23 





The Tourist Lamp, 

Fitted with Bown's Bail-Bearing Bracket and Equipoise Attach- 
ment. 

New and important improvements are made in this 
lamp, in addition to all the best features of other well 
known makes. The spilling of oil from the reservoir 
when the wheel is tipped sidewise, is entirely remedied 
by means of the Equipoise Attachment, an adjustable 
ball-bearing similar to that used in bicycles, attaching 
the bracket plate to the back of the Lamp, the greater 
weight below the centre always keeping the Lamp on 
its own level. The Bracket is also 
fitted with a large single ball-bearing 
at each of its eight bearing points, 
affording ample adjustment as the bearings wear 
and effectually removing all rattling of the bracket, 
in addition to controlling at pleasure the '' up and 
down " movement of the Lamp. 

Other points worthy of note are the double con- 
vex lens of great magnifying power ; Saulsbury 
unbreakable side lights, left side opening from the 
rear ; locomotive reflectors, capable of throwing a 
strong clear light to a considerable distance ; re- 
movable reflector, and detachable top and bottom, 
the latter containing oil reservoir of special size. 
The Tourist Lamp is made by William Bown, of 
Birmingham, England, maker of " ^olus " Ball Bear- 
ings," — a suflicient guarantee that the materials 
used are the best obtain- 
able. Li two sizes ; finish, 
best nickel and enamel. 

No. 306. Size A (largest size), Enameled. 

Price $7.50 

No. 306. Size A (largest size), Nickeled. 

Price ...... $9.00 

No. 306. Size B (smaller), Enameled. 

Price . . . .' . . $7.00 

No. 306. Size B (smaller). Nickeled. 

Price $8.50 




24 



GEORGE R. BIDWELL CYCLE CO. 





The Light of Road Lamp, 

Catalogued last year as the Bidwell 

Lamp. It has been very largely used 

by many dealers for renting purposes, 

and has given excellent satisfaction. 

It is difficult to 
extinguish, gives 
a good, steady 
light ; reservoir 
and reflector are 

removable ; front door opens at side and has 
sliding side light for ease in lighting. Vari- 
ous parts are carried in stock. Imported in 
enamel finish only, with or without Equipoise 
Bracket,. Manufactured by William Bown. 

No. 308. With Equipoise Bracket, Enameled. Price . . $4.50 

No. 310. Without '' " " Price . . 3.50 

The Rob Roy Lamp 

Is of the same size and model as the Light of Road, though not as 
well finished, and is not fitted with the sliding side light. It has the 
same spring and adjustment to the lamp bracket as the better grades, 
and is by far the best lamp ever offered at the price. Imported 
in enamel only. No. 312, Enameled. Price .... $2.75 

Perfection Bicycle Alarm. 

This is the standard bicycle alarm and has attained that position 
through continuous improvements made during the nine years it has 
been upon the market. 

The Perfection Alarm can be attached 
to any make of l)icycle or tricycle. On the 
ordinary bicycle it may be fastened to the 
brake spoon, and on safeties or tricycles it is 
attached to the liandle bar. 

The spring to operate the alarm is con- 
tained within the bell, and is wound up by a 
button on the outsider of tlie gong. 

The alarm is given by a slight forward pressure on the projecting 
lever, which releases the spring movement. 

A simple alarm stroke, a succession of strokes, or a continuous 
alarm, at pleasure of rider. Price ...... $2.50 




GEORGE R. BIDWELL CYCLE CO. 



25 



The Tourist Pedal 

is made for us by the Colt's Patent Fire Arms Co., and is manufactured 

in the same perfect manner as The 
Tourist — every part fitted to gauges 
exact to the thousandth of an inch. 
Square Pedal Rubbers of the very fin- 
est black Para stock. Diamond cut ; 
impossible to wear out. Price, per 
pair $10.00 




Pedals, — Bown's ^olus. 



1891 Tourist Ball Pedal, with tri- 
angular rubbers. Very light and 
strong. Price, per pair . $9.00 



Tourist Rat Trap Pedal. Weight, 
18 ounces ; strength guaranteed. 
Tourist Rat Trap Racing Pedal, 
4 teeth to each blade. Price, per 
pair ..... $10.00 



Full Roadster Pedal. Well made 
and adjusted. Price, per pair, $8.00 



Note. — All Parts of above are Steel Forcings. 




Qarford Scorcher Saddles. 

New 1892 model, the cleanest, neatest and most perfect saddle on 
^,, --'-^I^^^^--.. the market. Weight, one pound 

eleven ounces. Price . $6.00 
Garford Saddles, standard 
pattern, either men's or wo- 
men's. Price . . S6.00 




26 



GEORGE R. BIDWELL CYCLE CO. 




The Bidwell Cyclometer. 

Since the bicycle was first introduced to the American public, 
manufacturers, dealers and riders have adopted, tested and dis- 
carded numberless instruments for measuring distances. 

Bicycles, lamps, bells and other cy- 
cling accessories have been perfected and 
accepted by all, but cyclometers have re- 
mained to annoy the dealer and deceive 
the rider. 

The Bidwell Cyclometer, first put on 
the market in 1891, has given universal 
satisfaction and its large and steadily increasing sale is satisfactory 
evidence of its reliability. Free from cams or springs^ simple 
and positive in action, it is easily attached, can be read from the 
saddle, and will accurately record the distance from the first to 
the thousandth mile. This we guarantee. Made for 26, 28, 30 and 
32 inch wheels. Price, nickel plated on copper . . . $10.00 
Directions: To place instrument on wheel, remove the screws from 
both collar and bearing. Place collar on axle, packing with tire tape 
or rubber if necessary, and taking care to make a close joint. Then 
replace outer sections. The long hand indicates one mile, and the 
shorter ten miles to each movement. 

Perfection Tire Heater. 

This useful article will be found indispensable, and a necessary 
adjunct to every wheelman's outfit. It is designed to carry in the 

tool bag. The fiuid used is alcohol. 
In case of a loose solid or cushion tire 
the heater can be quickly affixed to 
the spokes, directly under the tire (see 
illustration), and in a few seconds will 
melt the old cement in the rim, there- 
by re-cementing the tire. 

The set screw at the centre answers 
the double purpose of a vent, when half unscrewed, to allow the gases 
arising from the alcohol to escape, and also when taken out furnishes 
a ready means of refilling. Each burner is fitted with a cap, fastened 
to a bar, to prevent the evaporation of the alcohol when not in use. 
The Tire Heater can be procured of any dealer in bicycles or bi- 
cycle sundries, or will be mailed, postpaid, to any part of the United 
States. Price, polished brass finish . . . . . . $1.00 




GEORGE R, BIDWELL CYCLE CO, 



27 



The Tourist Oiler. 

This cut is a full-sized illustration of 
the Tourist Bicycle Oiler, which is suitable 
for all uses requiring a small, clean and dur- 
able oiler. 

Made of extra heavy metal with a hand- 
some finish of nickel plating, always clean and 
ready for use, the spout being kept free from 
all dirt or sediment by an attachment soldered 
in the cover. Price . . . -25 cents 

The '^Perfect'' Pocket Oiler. 

The Cleanest and Handiest Pocket 
Oiler in the World. This oiler consists of 
a tube for holding the oil, fitted at the top 
w^ith a patent tip, which can be unscrewed to 
refill the oiler. 

This tip throws only a small quantity at a 
time, and prevents all spilling and waste of oil. 
As the ordinary oil-can throws from 20 drops 
and upward at each stroke, the immense superiority of this oiler as 
to neatness, cleanliness and economy w^ill be at once apparent. 





The shape and nickel finish make it the handsomest and most 
convenient oiler in use. Price, e^ch , . . . .50 cents 

Plumbago. 

This brand of Plumbago is made 
of the best Ceylon Lead, ground 
very fine, and left perfectly dry. 
In adopting the "Blizzard Gun" 
as its receptacle, we provide an eco- 
7iomical^ convenient and thorough 
mode of applying to the chains. 

Cycle chains should be perfectly 
clean before applying the Lubricant. Price . . .25 cents 




28 



GEORGE R. BIDWELL CYCLE CO. 



Price List of Cycle Accessories. 



Bells, Perfection Automatic. 

Guaranteed . . . . $2.50 
" Harrison's Double Chime, 2.00 
'* Single Stroke, large . . i.oo 
Single Stroke, small . . .50 

Belts, Snake Buckle, .50, .60, .75, 1.50 
Carriers, Lamson's No. i for or- 
dinary or Safety . . 1.00 
" Lamson's No. 4 for 

Safeties .... r.25 
Lamson's No. 4 double 

for Safeties . . . 1.50 

Z. & S 1.25 

Barkman 2.00 

Cement, for securing tires . . .25 
'* for repairing cuts in tires, .25 

Chain Cleaner, Automatic . . .75 
Coasters, Adjustable, per pair . 1.50 
Cyclometers, Bidwell, for 26, 28, 

30&32-in. wheels. 
Enamel, " Perfection " . . . 
Flag Standards, or Banner 
Handles, t?oft Rubber, )^-inch 
hole, per pair 
Soft Rubber, s^f-inch 
hole, per pair 
" Vulcanite, any size, per 

pair 

*' Cork, best quality, per 

pair 1.00 

Lamps, "Tourist," Bown's pat., 
Ball-bearing Bracket, 
Equipoise Adjustment, 
No. 306. Size A (larg- 
est), enameled ... 7.50 
" No. 306 Size A (larg- 
est), nickeled . . 9.00 
*' No. 306. Size B (small- 
er), enameled . . 7 00 
No. 306. Size B (small- 
er), nickeled ... 8.50 
Light of Road, No. 308, 
with Equipoise Ad- 
justment . . . 4.00 
*' Light of Road, No. 310, 
without Equipoise 
Adjustment ... 3 50 
Rob Roy, No. 312 . . 2.75 
L. A. W. Badges . $2.00 to 10.00 
Metal Polish, per can ... .15 
Oil, Lubricating, ^-pint can . . .15 
" Best Illuminating, i pint can, .25 
Oilers, Standard flat tinned . . .15 



10.00 

.50 

4.00 

.75 
1.00 
I 00 



Oilers, Tourist, nickeled 
Victor, spring top 
Perfect 

Padlock & Chain, 



0.25 

.35 
.50 

• 75 

I GO 
1.00 
1.25 



I.OO 

.50 

.75 
.25 



8.00 

10.00 

2.00 

1.50 
1.50 

6.00 

6.00 
7.00 
6.00 



Perf'ct'n, brass, 
" Nickeled . 
" " Yale, bronze, 

" Yale, nickeled, 
' Lynch buckle, 

nickeled 
No. 600, bronze, 
No. 600, nick'l'd. 
Boys', blued. 

Pedals, Tourist 10.00 

'* 1891 Tourist Tri. Rubber, 9.00 
' ' Bown's No. 2, Sqr'e Rub'r, 
Bown's Rat-Trap . . 
Pedal Rubbers, Tourist, per set, 
" *' Tourist, tr'ngl'r, 

*' Square, best qual 

Saddles, Garford Scorcher 

' ' Garford Standard, men's 

or women's 
" Fish, with bag . 

" R. & S., Tens'n Spring, 

Comfort 6.00 

" Racing 4.00 

Screw Driver, Novelty .50 

" * American F'lding, .25 

Stands, Safety i.oo 

" Buffalo, ordinary . 2.00 

Spoke Grip 50,-75 

Stockings, Worsted, blue, black 

and gray . . $1.00, I 
" Woolen, any color, i.io, i 

Shoes, Gymnas'm, Tennis, Bicycle, 

$[.00 to 5.00 
Supporters, Stockings, Champ'n .75 
" '* Z and S. . .50 

" Belt, .35 
" Body, Morton's . . .50 

Tire Heater, Perfection ... i.oo 
Tires, all sizes .... $1.00 to 6.00 
Tool Bags, Boys' Round ... .75 

" " Standard Round. . 1.25 

Tool Brush, Cyclists' .... .50 
Whistles, Duplex, Calliope, Sur- 
prise, Sp'ngf'ld, each, .25 
Wrenches, Majestic, 5-in. blued, .75 

" nick'l'd, .85 
B. & S. 4-in. blued, . .75 

*' " nick'l'd, I.oo 

" Victor, nickeled . . i.oo 

" Acme, polished, . . .50 



50 
50 










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